State Men's College Basketball Preview

October 19, 2008|JEREMY FOWLER and SHANDEL RICHARDSON and ANDREW CARTER and TED HUTTON and ILIANA LIMON and TOM CHRISTENSEN

With practice starting, state teams are searching for an identity.

For Miami, the only team from Florida to make the NCAA Tournament last season, it's about sustaining momentum. Miami is expected to be a favorite in the ACC, so living up to expectations will be relatively new territory.

For Florida, it's about upholding tradition. After missing the tournament, UF must preserve the reputation it created with back-to-back national titles.

For FSU, it's about survival. If coach Leonard Hamilton misses his seventh consecutive tournament, he's not likely to keep his job.

For other teams, it's one more chance to make the tournament. Here is a quick look at some teams around the state:

Florida Gators

Coach: Billy Donovan (285-115 in 12 years at UF)

2007-08 record: 24-12, lost in semifinal round of NIT

Starters returning/lost: 4/ 1

Opener: Nov. 14 vs. Toledo

Outlook: Despite the talented backcourt of Nick Calathes and Jai Lucas, the Gators need to prove they can guard the perimeter and find a low-post presence.

Of note: The championship hangover is over for the Gators, who missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years.

Jeremy Fowler

Miami Hurricanes

Coach: Frank Haith (69-60 in four seasons)

2007-08 record: 23-11, lost in second round of NCAA

Starters returning/lost: 4/ 1

Opener: Nov. 15 vs. Florida Memorial

Outlook: The Hurricanes are led by All-ACC guard Jack McClinton, who was one of the nation's top shooters. Big things are expected from forward DeQuan Jones, the highest-rated recruit in Haith's tenure.

Of note: UM could be a preseason top 10 after last year's impressive run.

Shandel Richardson

FSU Seminoles

Coach: Leonard Hamilton (106-86 in six seasons)

2007-08 record: 19-15, lost in first round of NIT

Starters returning/lost: 3/ 2

Opener: Nov. 15 at Jacksonville

Outlook: Senior guard Toney Douglas will lead a Florida State team that will rely heavily on newcomers, though forwards Uche Echefu and Ryan Reid return. The Seminoles welcome six freshmen, including forward Chris Singleton, who was McDonald's All-American.

Of note: The Seminoles haven't been to the NCAA Tournament since 1998.

Andrew Carter

FAU Owls

Coach: Mike Jarvis (first year; 321-201 in 19 seasons overall)

2007-08 record: 15-18, lost in the quarterfinals of Sun Belt Tournament